In late 2006, after retreating from Mogadishu, he fought under the name of the newly formed autonomous region known as Galmudug but without any known affiliation or permission as yet. He led its forces, fighting alongside Ethiopia and Puntland allies, in the Battle of Bandiradley.

On January 1, 2007, he returned to Mogadishu where he pleaded for there to be no reprisals against the defeated Islamists.[4]